U.S. patent application number 12/385515 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-14 for mill bed.
Invention is credited to Marnie Elizabeth Jean Ham, Matthew Christopher Heilandt.
Application Number | 20100260569 12/385515 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42934516 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100260569 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ham; Marnie Elizabeth Jean ;
et al. |
October 14, 2010 |
Mill bed
Abstract
A mill bed for use in association with a mill includes a base
frame, an outer frame and an inner frame. The outer frame is
moveably attached to the base frame whereby it is at least
partially rotatable around an outer axis. The inner frame is
rotatably attached to the outer frame and at least partially
rotatable around an inner axis. A control system is operably
attached to the outer frame and the inner frame to control movement
of the outer and inner frames.
Inventors: |
Ham; Marnie Elizabeth Jean;
(Port Hope, CA) ; Heilandt; Matthew Christopher;
(Sarasota, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DOWELL & DOWELL P.C.
103 Oronoco St., Suite 220
Alexandria
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
42934516 |
Appl. No.: |
12/385515 |
Filed: |
April 9, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
409/80 ; 409/224;
409/235; 700/159 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B23Q 2210/006 20130101;
Y10T 409/30896 20150115; Y10T 409/309576 20150115; B23Q 1/5406
20130101; Y10T 409/300896 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
409/80 ; 409/235;
700/159 |
International
Class: |
B23Q 1/01 20060101
B23Q001/01; B23C 9/00 20060101 B23C009/00 |
Claims
1. A mill bed for use in association with a mill comprising: a base
frame; an outer frame moveably attached to the base frame whereby
it is at least partially rotatable around an outer axis; an inner
frame rotatably attached to the outer frame and at least partially
rotatable around an inner axis; and a control system operably
attached to the outer frame and the inner frame to control movement
of the outer and inner frames.
2. The mill bed as claimed in claim 1 wherein the outer axis and
the inner axis intersect.
3. The mill bed as claimed in claim 2 wherein the outer frame is
rotatably attached to the base frame.
4. The mill bed as claimed in claim 3 wherein the control system
includes an outer drive train system operably connected between the
base frame and the outer frame and an inner drive train system
operably connected between the outer frame and the inner frame.
5. The mill bed as claimed in claim 4 wherein the outer drive train
system and the inner drive train system each include one of a worm
gear and a stepping motor.
6. The mill bed as claimed in claim 4 wherein the control system is
operably connected to a computer such that movement of the outer
frame and the inner frame are controlled automatically.
7. The mill bed as claimed in claim 3 wherein the inner frame is an
inner backing plate with a hole formed therein.
8. The mill bed as claimed in claim 3 wherein the inner frame is a
backing plate with a plurality of threaded holes formed
therein.
9. The mill bed as claimed in claim 2 wherein the mill bed is
attached to a mill having a tool that moves in a direction upwardly
and downwardly.
10. The mill bed as claimed in claim 9 wherein the mill bed is
moveable longitudinally in a plane generally orthogonal to the
direction of the tool.
11. The mill bed as claimed in claim 10 wherein the mill bed is
further moveable laterally in the plane.
12. The mill bed as claimed in claim 11 wherein the control system
includes an outer drive train system operably connected between the
base frame and the outer frame and an inner drive train system
operably connected between the outer frame and the inner frame.
13. The mill bed as claimed in claim 12 wherein the control system
is operably connected to a computer such that movement of the outer
frame and the inner frame are controlled automatically.
14. The mill bed as claimed in claim 11 wherein the mill is one of
a CNC machine and a drill press.
15. The mill bed as claimed in claim 2 wherein the mill is a
lathe.
16. The mill bed as claimed in claim 2 wherein the base frame has
an arcuate seat and the outer frame is moveably attached to the
seat.
17. The mill bed as claimed in claim 16 wherein the control system
includes an outer drive train system operably connected between the
base frame and the outer frame and an inner drive train system
operably connected between the outer frame and the inner frame.
18. The mill bed as claimed in claim 17 wherein the control system
is operably connected to a computer such that movement of the outer
frame and the inner frame are controlled automatically.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to mill beds and in particular
auxiliary mill beds with two axis whereby a three axis machine may
be converted into a five axis machine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] With a high emphasise on lessoning manufacturing lead times
new technologies have been developed to aid in the reduction of
these periods, and the decrease of material loss. Single Point
Incremental Forming (SPIF) has been developed to produce products
normally formed on expensive and time consuming dies. Hence the
term `dieless forming` has been adopted by this new process. The
process is simple; it requires no cutters or bulky material. The
necessary components to perform the operation would be a riser to
clamp the sheet metal to and a tool. The tool itself is a rotating
shaft with no sharp edges making it safer to handle and use
compared to conventional machine tools. When the tool comes into
contact with the sheet metal it begins to press down upon it,
allowing for the metal to be depressed. It continues this process
until one full toolpath is completed, then, stepping down every
cycle until the desired shape is achieved.
[0003] More specifically, the SPIF process starts by placing a
blank (a dimensionally cut piece of sheet metal) in a blankholder
or clamps which is elevated off of the mill bed. The reason for
this is to allow for the depressing of the sheet metal. With the
use of CNC technology a toolpath can be programmed to allow the
tool to run on its own.
[0004] The tool begins by spinning up to the desired speed. It then
begins to touch the surface of the part and follow the toolpath. In
this process the X-Y plane is defined by the mill bed and the
Z-axis is defined as the vertical movement perpendicular to the X-Y
plane. After the initial path, lubrication is added by the operator
to ensure no overheating will occur. The tool then moves in the -Z
direction. An example of an SPIF run would be 0.002'' (0.05 mm),
and proceeds around the toolpath; the depth is determined by the
thickness of the sheet metal. It will continue to do so until it
has completed its cycle, similar to a CNC operation with a
conventional cutting tool.
[0005] Gyroscopes have been commonly used in the aerospace industry
but very little in the manufacturing sector. A gyroscope provides a
stable platform to maintain orientation, hence its use in the
aerospace industry. The principles of a gyroscope are based on the
conservation of angular momentum, meaning that the inner point will
maintain its direction in space if the outer frame work
changes.
[0006] This new process has gained much attention in the
manufacturing sector for its ability to be proficient on a
three-axis CNC milling machine. However, with more and more complex
shapes being developed and tested, there is a need for a five-axis
milling machine. In addition there is a need to be able to convert
three-axis milling machines into five-axis milling machines. Some
improvements have been suggested, however, they do not convert a
three-axis milling machine into a five-axis milling machine.
[0007] For example, Washburn developed a work piece holder with the
ability to tilt in one direction as shown in U.S. Pat. No.
4,397,245 issued Aug. 9, 1983. His design is capable of
withstanding large loads and easy to control. However, its overall
weight is a concern when it is to be lifted manually. Its ability
to only tilt in one direction is one of its limitations, the cost
of the unit is another concern and the calibration of the device
can be difficult due to its pneumatic actuators.
[0008] Another example is shown in Matsubara who developed a
dieless forming device which is able to clamp and press the sheet
against a mandrel as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,216,508 issued Apr.
17, 2001. It is similar to the box frame idea but this device
itself presses the sheet metal. This is a very effective design,
however, it is limited to the complexity of the parts being
produced.
[0009] Accordingly it would be advantageous to provide a device
that can turn a three-axis milling machine into a five-axis milling
machine. Further it would be advantageous to provide a milling bed
that includes some of the capabilities of a gyroscope.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention relates to a mill bed for use in
association with a mill. The mill bed includes a base frame, an
outer frame and an inner frame. The outer frame is moveably
attached to the base frame whereby it is at least partially
rotatable around an outer axis. The inner frame is rotatably
attached to the outer frame and at least partially rotatable around
an inner axis. A control system is operably attached to the outer
frame and the inner frame to control movement of the outer and
inner frames.
[0011] The mill bed may be clamped to or otherwise attached to a
three axis mill bed thereby converting it into a five axis mill
bed. In another embodiment the mill bed may further include
translational movement and form part of a five axis mill bed.
[0012] Further features of the invention will be described or will
become apparent in the course of the following detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The invention will now be described by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mill with one embodiment
of the auxiliary mill bed of the present invention attached to the
three axis mill bed of the mill;
[0015] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the auxiliary mill
bed of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of an alternate
auxiliary mill bed of the present invention showing a backing
plate;
[0017] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of an alternate
auxiliary mill bed of the present invention showing an alternate
inner frame;
[0018] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of an alternate
auxiliary mill bed of the present invention showing a solid backing
plate;
[0019] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of an alternate
auxiliary mill bed of the present invention showing an alternate
base frame;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
auxiliary mill bed of the present invention used in association
with a drill press;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
auxiliary mill bed of the present invention used in association
with a lathe; and
[0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a mill with an improved mill
bed of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Referring to FIG. 1 the auxiliary mill bed of the present
invention is shown at 10. Auxiliary mill bed 10 is for use in
conjunction with among other devices a two axis mill bed 12 and a
milling machine 14. The auxiliary mill bed 10 converts a three-axis
milling machine into a milling machine with five-axis capabilities.
Mill bed 12 is movable in the x direction 11 or longitudinally in a
plane orthogonal to the movement of the tool and the y direction 13
or laterally as shown by the arrows. Mill 14 is movable in the z
direction 15 and defines an upwardly and downwardly path for the
tool. Auxiliary mill bed 10 may be clamped or bolted to mill bed
12.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 2, the auxiliary mill bed 10 includes a
base frame 16 which is used to elevate the rotating parts of the
device. An outer frame 18 is rotatably attached to the base frame
16. An inner frame 20 is rotatably attached to the outer frame 18.
The outer frame 18 has an axis of rotation 17 and the inner frame
20 has an axis of rotation 19. A control system is operably
attached to the outer frame 18 and the inner frame 20 to control
movement of the outer and inner frames. More specifically, the
outer frame 18 is rotated by use of an outer drive train system 22
hanging from the base frame 16. The inner frame 20 similarly has an
inner drive train system 24 attached to the outer frame 18.
[0025] The base frame 16 is preferably welded as one solid frame.
Alternatively the vertical supports 24 may be bolted to the upper
26 and lower 28 frames of the base frame 16. This does have an
advantage because it makes the device modular. It can be assembled
on the milling bed to reduce the lifting weight or the device may
be assembled on a bench and then lifted into place. Preferably base
frame 16 includes side supporting legs 29. Preferably side
supporting legs 29 on the side with the outer drive train system 22
is offset.
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates how the inner 20 and outer 18 frames
rotate within the base frame 16. The outer frame 18 is rotated
around outer pins 30 placed on each side of the base frame 16.
Outer pins 30 form part of the outer drive train system 22.
Similarly, the inner frame 20 is rotated around inner pins 32 which
attached between the inner frame 20 and the outer frame 18. The
inner pins 32 form part of the inner drive train system 24.
[0027] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a
variety of different drive train systems may be used for the outer
drive train 22 and the inner drive train 24. One alternative is to
use a worm gear system which is a self locking device in which the
worm drives the wheel. Worm gear systems are typically found in
metal lathes where the worm drives the shaft to which the tool post
is attached. This provides the forces needed to counter the
reaction forces exerted by the work piece. Alternatively step
motors may be used in the inner and outer drive trains. This allows
for easier use when tilting and also it removes human involvement.
Preferably the step motors are programmable and integrated into the
CNC program such that the program can rotate the frames without any
human involvement and allow for complex parts to be produced in
less time. Preferably the control system operably attached to a
display screen 25.
[0028] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
inner 20 and outer 18 frames are able to rotate 360 degrees.
However, depending on the tool being used, the maximum working
angle changes significantly. The angles available also change on
the device depending on the opening of the backing plate.
[0029] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
there are a number of modifications that may be made to the design
while remaining within the general concept of the present
invention. For example the inner frame may be replaced with an
inner backing plate 34 having a hole 36 formed therein as shown in
FIG. 3. Alternatively outer frame 38 may be modified such that it
frames half of the inner frame as shown in FIG. 4. The modified
outer frame 38 allows the frames to rotate without the tool coming
into contact with the outer frame. It will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art that the stresses on the inner and outer pins
will be increased with this design modification. Another embodiment
is shown wherein the inner frame is replaced with a solid backing
plate 40 with a plurality of threaded holes 41 formed therein as
shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 shows an alternate base 42 with an arcuate
seat 44 for the outer frame 46. The arcuate seat 44 defines an axis
of rotation 45. The inner frame 20 is similar to that described
above.
[0030] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the
different embodiments of auxiliary mill bed may be used in
association with a number of devices. Particularly as shown in FIG.
1 it may be used in association with a three degree of freedom mill
14. Alternatively it may be used with association with a drill 50
press as shown in FIG. 7 or a lathe 60 as shown in FIG. 8.
Alternatively the gyroscopic design of the auxiliary mill bed may
be used to modify a mill bed 70 for any of these devices and an
example of this is shown in FIG. 9.
[0031] Generally speaking, the systems described herein are
directed to mill beds. As required, embodiments of the present
invention are disclosed herein. However, the disclosed embodiments
are merely exemplary, and it should be understood that the
invention may be embodied in many various and alternative forms.
The Figures are not to scale and some features may be exaggerated
or minimized to show details of particular elements while related
elements may have been eliminated to prevent obscuring novel
aspects. Therefore, specific structural and functional details
disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting but merely
as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for
teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present
invention. For purposes of teaching and not limitation, the
illustrated embodiments are directed to mill beds.
[0032] As used herein, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" are
to construed as being inclusive and opened rather than exclusive.
Specifically, when used in this specification including the claims,
the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean
that the specified features, steps or components are included. The
terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other
features, steps or components.
* * * * *